Chapter 81

• Author's POV
• When it was over, Laura collapsed against the rough bark of the tree, her chest heaving, legs trembling so badly she could barely hold herself upright. Her torn gown clung loosely to her sweat-slick skin, the fabric offering little comfort against the night chill. Every inch of her body ached from his ruthless pace, yet what weighed heavier than her exhaustion was the hollow silence that followed.
• Arman, in stark contrast, seemed almost untouched by fatigue. His breathing was steady, his posture unshaken, as if what had just happened was nothing more than a passing indulgence. The moonlight caught on the sharp planes of his face, highlighting the faint smirk tugging at his lips—a predator satisfied, yet not sated.